Looking back at the 2022 NBA Finals, I still get chills remembering how the Golden State Warriors reclaimed their throne after a two-year hiatus from championship glory. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve rarely seen a series so rich in narrative tension and tactical brilliance. Steph Curry, in particular, delivered what I believe was the defining performance of his career—finally snagging that elusive Finals MVP with averages of 31.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Game 4, especially, stands out in my memory. With the Celtics threatening to take a commanding 3-1 lead, Curry put the team on his back, dropping 43 points including seven three-pointers. That wasn’t just shooting; it was an artistic statement.
What’s fascinating, from my perspective, is how the Warriors’ experience and adaptability ultimately wore down Boston’s ferocious but younger roster. I remember thinking during Game 5, when the Warriors’ defense held the Celtics to just 94 points, that this was a masterclass in playoff-level adjustments. Draymond Green, despite his offensive struggles, was a +20 in that clinching Game 6—a stat that doesn’t fully capture his disruptive presence. On the other side, Jayson Tatum’s 13 turnovers in the final three games showed the weight of the moment. Having covered basketball for years, I’ve noticed that finals often hinge on these subtle, psychological edges as much as pure talent.
It reminds me a bit of the dynamics you see in other competitive settings—like the international clashes mentioned earlier. Whether it’s the NBA Finals or a high-stakes match where teams like Alas face off against Vietnam’ Tranh Thi Tanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen or a determined Kazakh squad, the final day always magnifies every decision. In the Warriors’ case, their supporting cast made the difference. Jordan Poole’s 18-point outburst in the fourth quarter of Game 5, Andrew Wiggins’ relentless defense and 26 points in the closeout game—those were the unsung heroics that championship teams are built on. I’ve always believed that role players shine brightest when the lights are brightest, and this series proved it.
Of course, you can’t talk about the 2022 Finals without acknowledging the three-point revolution Curry has led. Golden State attempted 42.3 threes per game in the series, making over 36% of them. Compare that to even five years ago, and it’s clear how much the game has evolved. Still, what stood out to me was their balance—they never fully abandoned the mid-range or attacking the paint when threes weren’t falling. That adaptability, in my view, is what separates good teams from legendary ones. As the final buzzer sounded in Game 6, with the Warriors winning 103-90, it felt like the closing of one chapter and the start of another. For fans and analysts alike, these moments aren’t just stats on a sheet; they’re memories that define eras. And personally, I’ll always look back at this series as a testament to resilience, star power, and the beautiful chaos of playoff basketball.